DeBrusk lauds Miller's effort amid trade talks: 'Happy he was playing for us'

Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk commended J.T. Miller's performance in an important win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday after pregame reports indicated the club was working on trading the center.

"I'm happy he was playing for us tonight," said DeBrusk, according to Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre. "I've been here for 45 games. You know, I signed here for a reason. I signed here to either play with Millsy or Elias (Pettersson). My main thing was to play with those two guys. So I don't want (a trade) to happen. I don't want them to leave."

Miller and Pettersson have each been linked with a move away after an apparent rift between the two stars stirred plenty of drama within the organization. The Canucks were reportedly prepared to sit Miller on Saturday as they worked on a trade, but it fell through. The New York Rangers are believed to be inquiring about the 31-year-old.

Miller notched two assists in a 3-2 victory, which brought Vancouver within one point of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Miller said he was focused on a strong performance against a rival rather than the outside noise.

"I don't really know what to say, to be honest," Miller said. "I don't have a good answer for you. I'm just trying to focus on game to game."

He also declined to reflect on his tenure with the Canucks.

"I'm not getting into this," he said. "I'm planning on being a Canuck today, tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens. I'm focused on the next game."

Miller is under contract through 2028 at an $8-million cap hit and has full no-trade protection. He's registered 433 points in 399 games with the Canucks since being acquired in 2019.